massage stone, which is also known as hot stone or cold stone; In terms of shape, the stone is usually smooth and polished. These stones are often made from different types of natural stones such as basalt, marble or jade. Because natural stones have the ability to retain heat or cold for a longer period of time.
In general, although the stones used in massage are not much different from each other; But heating or cooling them changes the massage therapy method. Therefore, it can be said that hot stone massage and cold stone massage are two common techniques of using these stones. In short, in hot stone massage, the stones are heated to a certain temperature; And then they are placed on the client's body based on the needs and experience of the masseur. The heat of the stones helps to speed up and improve the massage process. The massage therapist may also use heated stones to apply gentle pressure and perform small strokes in the massage with the aim of relieving pain. Hot stone massage is often used to relieve muscle tension, promote relaxation, and enhance the overall massage experience.
Massage Types of Massage
There are different types of stones that are commonly used in massage therapy. Each of them has its own unique properties and benefits. Choosing the right massage stone often depends on whether the massage therapist wants to perform a hot stone massage, a cold stone massage, or a combination of both.
Hot Massage Stone
igneous stone
Igneous rocks are formed when molten lava comes into contact with cold air and forms a rock. A common igneous stone used by most massage therapists is basalt massage stone. while rare elements can affect the color of this stone; But usually its color is black, gray or green.
Basalt has high iron and silica content, which are perfect for maintaining heat during massage therapy. Basalt stones do not need to be shaped; Because they are often found in riverbeds that have been straightened naturally.
sedimentary rocks
Sedimentary rocks, as their name suggests, are formed by sedimentation and cementation of materials on the surface of the earth or even inside water surfaces. Marine rocks such as sandstone and limestone are sedimentary rocks that have a high capacity to store heat. Therefore, they are used as massage stones in massage therapy.
On the other hand, these stones are composed of coral and plant sediments, which have a rich mineral composition and help to fully heal the body.
Cold Massage Stone
There is another type of massage stone known as cold massage stone. According to their name, these types of stones are colder than other stones on the surface of the earth and retain a lot of cold. This makes them very useful for certain diseases.
Transformation Stones
Metamorphic rocks are formed when igneous and sedimentary rocks are exposed to the intense heat of magma and intense pressure caused by tectonic displacement. Then they undergo significant physical and chemical changes and finally become a metamorphic stone.